Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 just got put through one of the internet's most famous stress tests — here's how it held up
If you have spent any time researching smartphones, then you will likely have heard of the YouTube channel JerryRigEverything and its host, Zack Nelson. In many of his videos, he puts the latest phones through several durability tests, and his most recent video has him putting the Galaxy Z Fold 7 through its paces to see how tough it is.
Firstly, Nelson checks the screen using a series of mineral picks rated on the Mohs scale of hardness to check when scratches appear. The outer display started to show scratches at level 6, while deeper grooves started to appear at level 7. As noted in the video, this is a typical score and is the same durability seen on non-foldables like the iPhone 16 Pro or Pixel 9.
Unfortunately, the inner screen still scratches at a level 2, meaning even fingernails can leave a mark. This has been a problem on every Fold model, and Samsung does offer one free inner screen protector replacement free of charge within the first 12 months, with the following applications costing $19. However, if anything other than the top layer of the screen is damaged, then you're looking at $589 for a full screen replacement.
One thing Nelson mentions is that, through all his tests, no Galaxy Fold model has ever snapped in half. Considering this is a fear I've long held, I was curious to see if the thinnest Samsung foldable yet would break this record. Surprisingly, the Z Fold 7 did not snap, nor did it show any cracks when bent forcefully backwards while unfolded.
Running a knife along the sides and hinge of the phone left some noticeable scratches in the aluminum frame. The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back of the phone fared better however, and it appears that Samsung solved the issue we saw on the Galaxy S25, where some of the camera rings could be popped off with minimal force. Finally, the phone was also opened and closed while covered in dust to check the IP48 rating, with no noticeable damage to the hinge occurring.
These tests have shown just how durable the Galaxy Z Fold 7 really is, and follow Samsung's recently published claim that the phone can manage 500,000 folding cycles in its lifetime. However, the continued weakness of the inner display is concerning, especially given the price to replace the screen.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Android Authority
35 minutes ago
- Android Authority
NewPipe adds Android Auto support, bringing YouTube to your car screen
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Android Auto still doesn't support the official YouTube app, but NewPipe can now fill that gap. The update lets you access playlists, history, and search from your car's screen. Of course, you'll only be able to watch while parked. Android Auto has always been pretty strict about what kinds of apps are allowed, but Google is starting to loosen up now, and NewPipe isn't wasting any time. Thanks to the latest app update, the open-source YouTube alternative now works on your car's infotainment screen. In a blog post, the NewPipe team says you can now browse your watch history, load playlists, or search for new content within Android Auto. The developers still urge caution when using the feature, even though Google already has guardrails to prevent you from getting distracted as you're cruising along. If YouTube on Android Auto sounds familiar, it's probably because people have been hacking together ways to watch the ubiquitous streaming service in the car for a while. These workarounds usually involve third-party tools like CarStream or screen mirroring their phone, but they're usually a bit clunky and prone to breaking. This is an early example of video playback arriving through Android Auto's official app support, with no trickery needed. This update follows Google's broader plan to allow more app categories on Android Auto. Video and browser apps are now officially on the roadmap, with limited functionality in parked mode and an audio-only option coming to Android Automotive. You won't find NewPipe on the Play Store, but it's easy enough to grab from the project's website or the F-Droid catalog if you want to give it a spin. Follow
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Bark Phone Lets You Prioritize Your Children's Safety and Right Now, You Can Save $30
It's only natural for kids to want their own phones these days, but we get why handing over a regular smartphone with full internet access can feel like a hard nope for most parents. Arguing with Gen Alpha about it is losing a battle, so you need something that gives them the freedom they're asking for in a safe, controlled environment. The Bark Phone, which looks like a regular phone on the outside, does exactly that. It's built with safety in mind, and right now, there's a great back-to-school deal that makes it a bit easier on the wallet. The phone normally retails for $10 per month for 24 months, with plans starting at $29 per month. Currently, using the code CLASS30 at checkout gets you $30 off your first month, which means you'll only pay $9 plus taxes to get started. The phone itself is a Samsung Galaxy A16, which comes preloaded with parental controls according to the plan you choose. The starter plan starts at $29 a month and includes unlimited talk and text with no internet access or games -- ideal for younger kids. No more stranger danger, since you're also able to approve or deny every contact. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Advanced plans let kids gradually access more features while also keeping you in the loop. For instance, children can request any apps in the Google Play Store for you to approve. You are still able to monitor, set limits, and remove previously approved content. The phone actively scans all data and also looks for social media red flags like adult content, harassment and bullying. If it spots anything suspicious, you're notified immediately. Why this deal matters Bark Phone offers a great way to let your children access technology while also prioritizing their safety. This deal takes $30 off your first month, which means you can get started for just $9. Note that deals like this are usually short-lived, so if this interests you, hurry while you can.
Tom's Guide
2 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Not a typo! Score an iPhone 16 Pro for free at this carrier
Need a reliable smartphone for the forthcoming school season? T-Mobile is offering one of our favorite phones for free ahead of the upcoming semester. For a limited time, you can get the iPhone 16 Pro for free at T-Mobile with trade-in and an eligible unlimited data plan. It's one of the best back to school deals I've seen. Trade in an eligible device in any condition, and T-Mobile will give you a credit of up to $1,000 that you can apply to an iPhone 16 Pro. You'll need to sign up for T-Mobile's $100/month Experience Beyond plan to qualify as well, though if you opt for the $85/month Experience More plan, you can still get up to $830 in credit. T-Mobile will also pay off your phone up to $800 with your current carrier. This is a great way to get one of Apple's best iPhones at a low-to-no cost. In addition to the savings, the reason I recommend the iPhone 16 Pro is because it gains the best part about the iPhone 16 Pro Max — its 12MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Last year's model topped out with a 3x optical zoom camera, so having the same 5x optical zoom reach as the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro Max makes it the iPhone to own. I also prefer it because of its more compact size. On top of all of this, we've put the iPhone 16 Pro (and 16 Pro Max) through several photo shootouts against its main rivals to determine if it's really the best camera phone out there. And since it shares the same camera setup as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, we've used its cameras for astrophotography to capture star clusters, galaxies, and nebulas in the night sky. We also love how blazing fast it is for just about everything, including playing games. But the biggest treat about this year's model is the arrival of Apple Intelligence, which brings Apple's flagship into a whole new era with the help of AI features.
